Arkansas approves Medicaid expansion alternative

A plan for Arkansas to use federal Medicaid money buy private insurance for low-income residents has won final legislative approval.

The House Wednesday night passed the final piece of the package after the Senate reached the three-fourths majority needed on a budget bill. Backers secured enough Republican votes by amending the package to give the state more flexibility.

The proposal heads to Gov. Mike Beebe, who promoted the plan with some Republican leaders as an alternative to expanding the state's Medicaid program under the federal health care law.

Federal officials have endorsed the concept but have not granted final permission.

Under the plan, Arkansas would accept money intended for Medicaid expansion under the federal health care law and instead buy private insurance for 250,000 eligible low-income residents.

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The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said Sunday it was "very alarmed" by reports of widespread doping by track and field athletes in major competitions including the Olympic Games and world championships.